Media access control for duplex transmissions in wireless local area networks

An apparatus, comprising:

• a network interface device associated with a first communication device, wherein the network interface device is capable of duplex transmissions, wherein duplex transmissions involve simultaneously transmitting and receiving via a same wireless frequency band, and wherein the network interface device includes one or more integrated circuit (IC) devices configured to:
• receive an indication that a second communication device permits a duplex transmission while the second communication device transmits during a transmit opportunity period (TXOP) established by the second communication device, wherein the indication is received from the second communication device via a wireless transmission, and wherein the indication is included in a media access control layer (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU),
• in response to receiving the indication that the second communication device permits the duplex transmission, determine that the network interface device is permitted to perform the duplex transmission during the TXOP,
• receive a first packet from the second communication device during the TXOP, wherein the first packet spans a wireless communication channel, and
• transmit a second packet while the first communication device is receiving the first packet, and wherein the second packet is transmitted in the wireless communication channel.

A method implemented by a first communication device that is capable of duplex transmissions, wherein duplex transmissions involve simultaneously transmitting and receiving via a same wireless frequency band, the method comprising:

• transmitting, by the first communication device, an indication that the first communication device permits a duplex transmission while the first communication device transmits during a transmit opportunity period (TXOP) established by the first communication device, wherein the indication is transmitted to a second communication device via a wireless transmission, and wherein the indication is included in a media access control layer (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU);
• transmitting, by the first communication device, a first packet to the second communication device during the TXOP, wherein the first packet spans a wireless communication channel;
• and
• receiving, at the first communication device, an acknowledgment packet from the second communication device, wherein the acknowledgment packet acknowledges receipt of the first packet.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a network interface device associated with a first communication device, wherein the network interface device is capable of duplex transmissions, wherein duplex transmissions involve simultaneously transmitting and receiving via a same wireless frequency band, and wherein the network interface device includes one or more integrated circuit (IC) devices configured to:
• transmit an indication that the first communication device permits a duplex transmission while the first communication device transmits during a transmit opportunity period (TXOP) established by the first communication device, wherein the indication is transmitted to a second communication device via a wireless transmission, and wherein the indication is included in a media access control layer (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU),
• transmit a first packet to the second communication device during the TXOP, wherein the first packet spans a wireless communication channel, and
• receive an acknowledgment packet from the second communication device, wherein the acknowledgment packet acknowledges receipt of the first packet.